George M. Thompson III was born January 23, 1948 and left this life on December 12, 2017. He joins the love of his life, Patricia Lyn, who preceded him in death on November 28, 2014.

George, who was born prematurely at just over 3 lbs., was given his last rights. But as usual, George had other ideas and lived on to a life of many achievements. He helped to make his, and many others lives, better through generosity and caring for those in need.

George attended Greenwood from K-12 and was not only a standout student, but a wonderful athlete who was all-state in three sports his senior year. He then took his skills to Drury College, joined Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and graduated in four years with honors.

After excelling in college, he took his knowledge and skills and entered the family business, Thompson Sales Company. He spent 49 years in the business and was co-dealer, co-owner and CEO. Thompson's moved to a new level with George's astute business sense and his care and concern for his employees. He was second to none in making business decisions. He was able to continue the business to a point that Thompson's will be in their 99th year of business on January 1, 2018.

George was an excellent golfer and truly loved the game. He was Springfield City Champion in 1971 and won numerous tournaments and individual awards. He went on to become an accredited United States Golf Association and Missouri Golf Association Rules Official, and called many tournaments with his good friend Mike White.

He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Hickory Hills Country Club, Missouri Automobile Directors, and President of the Missouri Automobile Board of Directors in 1998. George was also appointed as a lifetime member of Drury University's Board of Trustees. He was also appointed to General Motors National Fixed Operation Board of Directors and recently the Missouri Golf Association named him a Director Emeritus. Over the years, he was affiliated with numerous non-profits in the Springfield area.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George Milam Thompson, Jr. and Suzanne O'Neal Thompson; Uncles Milton Brice Thompson and William Carroll O'Neal; and brother-in law Mike Rowland.

He is survived by his two children, Miles Thompson and Emily Givens, and their spouses Cindy Thompson and Drew Givens. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren - Sterling, Harper, and Hampton Thompson; Grant, Avery, and Elle Givens; Hunter Angell, Ella and Will Bauer; his brother, Lynn and sister-in-law Karen Thompson; his sister-in-law Elizabeth Ann Noblett Rowland and aunts Doris O'Neal and Patsy Thompson as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins.

He will be missed by all who had the opportunity to cross his path in life.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with Rev. William A. "Billy" Wear, Jr. officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2017 from 5 to 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flower, please send memorial contributions to: Drury University Men's Golf Team, 900 N Benton Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802, or Lost & Found Grief Center, 1555 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65804, Missouri Golf Association Scholarship Fund, PO Box 104164, Jefferson City, MO 65110.